By Jacinta Nwachukwu
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has commended the Federal Government for awarding 12 teachers across the six geopolitical zones, in recognition of their commitment to excellence and hardwork.
The National President of NUT, Comrade Audu Amba, gave the commendation at the union’s Annual Solemn Assembly on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that, in January, 12 outstanding teachers—two from each of the six geopolitical zones— were awarded a total of N350 million at the National Teachers’ Summit in Abuja.
Each of the 12 teachers – six from basic education, six from senior secondary – received N25 million, while the overall best teacher, Mr Taiwo Solanke (South-West zone) received N50 million.
The awards aim to boost morale, with a focus on merit-based selection to drive national education reform.
Amba, however, noted that while the award was commendable, it did not represent the welfare of teachers the union was clamouring for.
He, therefore called on governments to improve welfare of teachers, attractively.
“If the government does something a little, we should commend it, but that cannot stop us from agitating for the improved welfare of our teaming teachers.
“What the government has done is commendable, but it did not reflect the overall welfare of teachers that we are asking for.
“In line with our primary responsibility as leaders of Nigerian teachers, we will continue to agitate for the welfare of our members.
“Be it from local government to the state and even at the centre, the welfare of our members, conducive working environment for teaching profession shall be our primary goals,” he said.
The NUT President underscored the need for the teaching profession to be taken to the next level in terms of welfare.
He restated that teaching profession should not be the last option for job seekers.
“Any graduate from the university or any tertiary institution that could not secure job opportunity always consider teaching profession as the last option.
“No, teaching is supposed to be seen as a profession where qualified, experienced and intelligent people engaged to teach our people,” Amba said.
He said that countries that have gotten it right in terms of education placed emphasis in education and teachers’ welfare.
Also in his remarks, the National President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, emphasised on the need for government at all levels to ensure improved welfare for teachers.
Ajaero noted that teaching profession is the bedrock of every other profession, hence the need for special teachers’ salary to reflect their roles in the society.
Earlier, clerics at the assembly advised the teachers to be of good behaviour so as to impact positively on the pupils and students.
Imam Muhammad Uthman and Rev. Emmanuel Nama emphasised on the importance of dialogue, love and unity for peaceful co-existence in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Solemn Assembly organised by the leadership of NUT is to thank God for the life of teachers while committing the year’s activities into His hand. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
.
